Key message

A decoupling of economic growth and primary energy consumption can be seen over the 1980-2007 period in all three regions of Belgium. However, in comparison to its neighbouring countries, Belgium scores weakly according to the Structural Indicator “energy intensity of the economy”.

Total primary energy intensity

Energy intensity measures the quantity of energy consumed by the economy to produce a production unit.

Having dropped sharply between 1980–1985, energy intensity continued to grow until 1998, when it began dropping regularly until 2002. It then increased slightly in 2003 before decreasing once again in 2006 and 2007. Energy intensity in 2007 is at the same level as in 1985 (Figure 1).

A decoupling of economic growth and primary energy consumption can be seen over the 1980-2007 period, with this often being cited as one of the objectives of sustainable development1.